What is the most important information I should know about chlorhexidine topical? Back to top

You should not use chlorhexidine topical if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use chlorhexidine topical if you have any allergies to food, dyes, animals, or medicines.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, ears, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina. Chlorhexidine topical is for use only on the skin.

Stop using the medication and call your doctor if you have a skin reaction such as severe burning, itching, redness, blistering, peeling, swelling, rash, or any other severe irritation.

What is chlorhexidine topical? Back to top

Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic that fights bacteria.

Chlorhexidine topical (for the skin) is used to clean the skin to prevent infection that may be caused by surgery, injection, or skin injury.

Chlorhexidine topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health are provider before using chlorhexidine topical? Back to top

You should not use chlorhexidine topical if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have any allergies to food, dyes, animals, or medicines.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether chlorhexidine topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether chlorhexidine topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed if you are using this medicine to treat a skin condition in the breast area.

Chlorhexidine topical should not be used on a child younger than 2 months old.

How should I use chlorhexidine topical? Back to top

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Rinse the skin before applying chlorhexidine topical gel or dressing. Apply only enough to cover the area you are treating.

To use chlorhexidine topical soap, apply only enough to cover the area you are treating. Wash the area gently, then rinse thoroughly with plain water. Avoid using over large areas of skin.

Do not apply this medication to deep cuts, scrapes, or open skin wounds. Chlorhexidine topical can also be harmful if it gets in your eyes, ears, mouth, nose, rectum, or vagina.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using chlorhexidine topical.

Some forms of this medicine are flammable. Do not use while you are smoking, or near high heat or open flame.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose? Back to top

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose? Back to top

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using chlorhexidine topical? Back to top

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, ears, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina. If this does happen, rinse with water. Chlorhexidine topical is for use only on the skin.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with chlorhexidine topical unless you doctor tells you to.

Avoid getting this medication on your clothing or other fabrics. Do not use bleach to wash any fabric exposed to chlorhexidine or the medicine may cause a permanent stain.

What are the possible side effects of chlorhexidine topical? Back to top

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using chlorhexidine topical and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• severe burning, itching, or redness;
• blistering or peeling;
• swelling or severe skin rash; or
• any other severe irritation of treated skin.

Less serious side effects may occur, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect chlorhexidine topical? Back to top

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied chlorhexidine topical. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information? Back to top

Your pharmacist can provide more information about chlorhexidine topical.